Learn about Xanax and substance abuse

Xanax is the trade name of a prescription medication that contains alprazolam, a benzodiazepine that acts as a central nervous system depressant. Xanax is typically prescribed to individuals who are experiencing symptoms related to anxiety disorders. When a person takes Xanax, he or she experiences a sensation of relaxed sedation. Unfortunately, this pleasurable effect makes Xanax a popular choice for individuals who desire a recreational high, as well as those who are attempting to self-medicate. Also contributing to the abuse of Xanax is that the drug is usually among the 10 most commonly prescribed medications in the United States every year, which means that may people have access to Xanax via both legal and illicit means.

Whether a person first uses Xanax under a doctor’s treatment plan, in an attempt to self-medicate, or solely for recreational purposes, the use of this drug can lead to tolerance and dependence. Tolerance means that a person will need to use increasingly larger amounts of Xanax in order to achieve the expected effects, while dependence indicates that a person may experience distressing symptoms when attempting to stop or reduce his or her use of Xanax.

When a person has become dependent upon Xanax, the strong cravings and painful withdrawal symptoms may make it extremely difficult for him or her to stop abusing this drug. However, with the effective professional treatment at a trusted rehab center near Newport Beach, many men and women have overcome the compulsion to abuse Xanax, and have made the lifestyle changes that have supported successful long-term recovery.

Statistics

Xanax addiction statistics

According to the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), about 0.2% of the adult population in the United States abuses prescription sedatives, a category that includes Xanax and other benzodiazepines, every year. The abuse of Xanax and other antianxiety medication is highest among young adults ages 18 to 29, with about 0.5% of that population abusing these substances every year. The Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN) has reported that between 2004 and 2010, the annual number of emergency room visits that were related to the misuse of Xanax and other benzos increased by 139%.

Causes and Risk Factors

Causes and risk factors for Xanax addiction

Several factors and causes can influence whether or not a person will be at increased risk for abusing or becoming depending upon Xanax:

Genetic: Certain heritable personality traits, including impulsiveness and novelty-seeking, have been identified as genetic factors that can influence the development of a substance use disorder involving Xanax. The American Psychiatric Association (APA) reports the genetic influence on the development of substance use disorders involving Xanax appears to be increasingly influential as individuals pass through adolescence and into adulthood.

Environmental: Ease of access to Xanax is among the strongest environmental influences to the development of a problem with this drug. Other environmental factors that may increase a person’s risk for becoming dependent upon Xanax include being prescribed these drugs for legitimate medical purposes and associating with individuals who have access to and/or abuse these dangerous drugs.

Risk Factors:

Gender (women are at increased risk for Xanax abuse and dependence)

Age (Xanax abuse and dependence are more common among young adults under age 30)

Prior substance use disorders, especially alcohol use disorder (which may be treated with benzodiazepines)

Family history of substance use disorders

Access to Xanax

Associating with individuals who abuse Xanax

Impulsivity

Novelty seeking

Signs and Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of Xanax addiction

Xanax abuse and addiction, without rehabilitation, can reveal itself through a wide range of signs and symptoms, including but not limited to the following:

Behavioral symptoms:

Taking Xanax in greater quantities or for a longer period of time than intended

Trying but failing to reduce Xanax use

Using Xanax when it is clearly dangerous to do so

Visiting several doctors in an attempt to acquire multiple prescriptions for Xanax

Attempting to borrow or steal Xanax

Continuing to abuse Xanax even after experiencing negative effects as a result of prior Xanax abuse

Loss of interest in significant activities

Physical symptoms:

Slurred speech

Coordination problems

Muscle weakness

Dizziness and/or light-headedness

Double vision

Headaches

Diarrhea

Tolerance to Xanax

Withdrawal symptoms in absence of Xanax

Cognitive symptoms:

Problems with memory

Impaired ability to focus or concentrate

Poor judgment

Intense drug cravings

Psychosocial symptoms:

Mood swings

Social withdrawal

Aggression

Effects

Effects of Xanax addiction

Untreated Xanax abuse can lead to myriad negative effects, including the following:

Impaired memory, including anterograde amnesia

Disinhibition

Mania

Organ damage

Onset or worsening of mental health symptoms

Other forms of substance abuse

Diminished occupational performance

Job loss

Chronic unemployment

Financial problems

Family discord

Arrest and incarceration

Co-Occurring Disorders

Xanax addiction and co-occurring disorders

Individuals who have become dependent upon Xanax may be at increased risk for the following co-occurring mental health disorders:

Depressive disorders

Bipolar disorders

Alcohol use disorder

Anxiety disorders

Antisocial personality disorder

Effects of Withdrawal and Overdose

Effects of Xanax withdrawal and overdose

Effects of Xanax withdrawal: When a person has become dependent upon Xanax, stopping or trying to reduce the amount of their Xanax abuse may trigger several unpleasant symptoms, including the following:

Intense cravings for Xanax

Tremors and twitching

Heavy sweating

Anxiety

Agitation

Increased heartbeat

Nausea and vomiting

Seizure

Effects of Xanax overdose: Anyone who exhibits the following signs after ingesting Xanax may have overdosed and should be brought to the attention of a qualified treatment & rehab provider:

When a person continues to abuse Xanax, and doesn’t receive treatment at a rehab center, he or she is at continued risk for physical, psychological, and socioeconomic damage. For example, the disinhibition that can result from Xanax abuse may cause a person to engage in violent, aggressive, and otherwise dangerous activities. As indicated earlier on this page, Xanax abuse has been associated with several distressing symptoms, including irregular breathing, slowed heart rate, double vision, muscle weakness, and impaired cognition. Continuing to abuse Xanax and failing to get effective professional help increases both the likelihood that a person will experience health damage and the potential severity of that damage. Also, many people who abuse Xanax do so in combination with other drugs, which can significantly increase their risk for both temporary and permanent damage. Also, the continued abuse of Xanax can endanger a person’s academic progress, occupational performance, and ability to develop and maintain healthy interpersonal relationships. Family discord, job loss, unemployment, arrest, and incarceration are hardly uncommon among individuals who have descended into heavy long-term Xanax abuse.

At the Sober Living by the Sea treatment network near Newport Beach, we understand the many ways that Xanax abuse can undermine a person’s efforts to live a healthy and productive life. More importantly, we have developed specialized programming at our treatment & rehab centers that have helped men and women overcome their dependence upon Xanax and other benzodiazepines. At The Rose, The Landing, and Sunrise Recovery Ranch, men and women whose lives have been upended by their abuse of Xanax and other prescription medications can take their first steps toward a healthier and more satisfying future, free from the constraints and limitations of Xanax abuse.

“My addiction to prescription drugs was very out of hand before going to Sober Living by the Sea. I am so grateful to all of the staff that has helped me through my recovery.”

– Former Patient

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Sober Living by the Sea offers luxury residential treatment for drug and alcohol abuse in addition to co-occurring disorders such as depression and anxiety. Located in Newport Beach, California, our center has provided quality addiction rehab for 30+ years.